Maidan may be open for parking

The City Corporation is open to the idea of providing parking space inside the Putharikandam Maidan at East Fort here for vehicles carrying pilgrims to the Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple on their return from Sabarimala during the forthcoming Mandalam-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season.

The Maidan is one of the parking spaces identified by the police to accommodate an estimated 13,000 vehicles bringing Sabarimala pilgrims to the city daily.

A heavy influx of pilgrims is anticipated this season following the discovery of riches estimated at hundreds of crores of rupees in the subterranean vaults of the temple in July. The police have imposed parking restrictions in the immediate vicinity of the temple as part of an elaborate security system.

Corporation authorities said they were yet to get a formal communication from the police to provide parking space inside the sprawling grounds which was currently undergoing a major beautification process.

They said they were open to the idea.

The police estimate that up to 1,000 light motor vehicles can be accommodated in the space earmarked for holding public meetings and exhibitions.

Officials feel the Corporation could earn good revenue by collecting fees for parking and toilet facilities on the ground during the pilgrimage season. “The income can be utilised for maintenance of the facilities,” an official said.

Deputy Mayor G. Happykumar said a security system would have to be put in place on the grounds to protect the lawns, gardens, and the walkways being constructed as part of the beautification project.

The officials said the police would have to ensure protection for the grounds when it would be used for parking during the pilgrimage season.